NAIROBI, Kenya – Prominent activist Hanifa Adan was assaulted and robbed during chaotic scenes in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) on Tuesday, as protests demanding justice for the late Albert Ochieng’ Ojwang’ turned violent.
Hanifa, a vocal critic of police brutality and the Kenya Kwanza administration, was caught up in the unrest that erupted along Moi Avenue, where armed goons riding on motorcycles attacked demonstrators in full view of police officers.
According to her, one assailant accosted and beat her and snatched her phone during a peaceful march toward the Central Police Station.
She eventually managed to get back her phone after the goon was over powered by protestors.
“One of the goons beat me up and took my phone,” she said. “I caught his jacket trying to get my phone back as he continued bodying me. Other people joined and caught up with him. I took my phone back, and he got beaten up.”
Hanifa: I was beaten up, and one of the goons took my phone but I managed to get it back.
She later accused police of turning a blind eye to the violence, alleging that the attackers were operating with impunity under police protection.
“The police are watching as goons terrorise innocent people,” she posted on social media.
This was when we went after the goons when they overwhelmed us and beat us with whips lol. Watch as the first goon was caught and beaten up. Please note that they were being protected by the police. A criminal enterprise#JusticeForAlbertOjwang
Protest Turns Ugly
What began as a peaceful demonstration for justice in the June 7 death of Ojwang’, a teacher and blogger who died in police custody, quickly descended into chaos after dozens of men on motorcycles flooded the CBD, reportedly with the intent to disrupt the protests.
The motorcyclists, some of whom carried multiple passengers and wore masks, moved aggressively through Moi Avenue, Koinange Street, and surrounding areas, attacking protesters and sparking confrontations.
One of the attackers was reportedly cornered and beaten by
demonstrators after being caught stealing. Another motorcycle was set ablaze by enraged protesters on Moi Avenue. A second bike was torched later along Koinange Street.
By midday, many shops in the CBD had closed as clashes between protesters, suspected goons, and police intensified.
The heavy police presence and ongoing confrontations turned the heart of the city into a battleground, with tear gas fired intermittently to disperse crowds.
The continued unrest has drawn widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability from the National Police Service.
Protesters are demanding not just justice for Ojwang’s death, but also the resignation of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, who stepped aside on Monday pending investigations.
Goons have infiltrated the ongoing protests in Nairobi CBD and are engaged in mugging pedestrians, especially in backstreets east of Moi Avenue. #starkenyanews
